Video Shows U.S. Marshal Kicking Small Dog, Breaking One Of Its Ribs, Owner Says
An alarming video shared online depicts a U.S. marshal kicking a small dog during an arrest outside a Memphis apartment complex, with the dog’s owner claiming that the marshal broke one of the dog’s ribs in the process.
The video captures the marshal, seemingly armed, approaching a barking miniature schnauzer and kicking it.
Emma Hollingsworth, the dog’s owner, expressed outrage in a video message posted on Facebook, condemning the incident as animal cruelty.
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Hollingsworth claimed that the officers released her dog from her home while carrying out an arrest warrant for her boyfriend, who was complying with their instructions when they forcibly entered the residence.
The video footage shows the small dog barking at the officers, as well as an officer restraining a larger police K9. A battering ram is seen near the door.
Hollingsworth accused the officers of using excessive force and demanded that they be removed from duty.
The U.S. Marshals Service, responding to inquiries from local station WREG, described the incident as “unfortunate” and justified the marshal’s actions as a response to the dog’s aggressive behavior towards the K9 unit.
The boyfriend, who was apprehended, was wanted for commercial burglary in north Mississippi, according to officials.
“The dog’s owner was instructed to restrain the dog but failed to do so. A deputy U.S. marshal intervened to prevent the dog from approaching the K9,” the statement read. “The marshal’s actions were a necessary measure to maintain control in a potentially dangerous situation. An aggressive, unrestrained animal poses a threat to safety and operational effectiveness.”
The statement also accused the dog owner of violating leash laws, which mandate that dogs be properly restrained at all times.
“Dogs must be leashed when off-property, and on-property, they should be secured behind a fence or tether,” the statement added.
The U.S. Marshals Service did not immediately respond to requests for comment from JS, while Hollingsworth was unavailable for immediate comment.
